Craving a festive appetizer? Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip blends creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish. This Holiday Appetizer Dip bakes in under 25 minutes, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights. Enjoy this cranberry cheese dip for a delightful, shareable treat!
Why You’ll Love Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
- Quick Prep: Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is ready in 20–25 minutes, ideal for a Holiday Appetizer Dip.
- Festive Flavors: Cranberries and citrus make this cranberry cheese dip a holiday hit.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy, tangy festive cream cheese dip everyone loves.
- Easy Ingredients: Pantry staples create this Holiday Appetizer Dip with ease.
- Versatile: Perfect for parties or cozy evenings with this cranberry cheese dip.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this festive cream cheese dip (makes ~8 servings):
For the Dip:
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240g) whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- ¼ cup (25g) chopped green onions
- ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans, toasted
- ½ tsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp (15ml) honey
For Serving:
-
Crackers or sliced baguette
Equipment
- Small oven-safe baking dish (1-quart)
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Baking sheet (for toasting pecans)
Ingredient Tips
- Cranberry Sauce: Use whole berry sauce for Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip texture; avoid jellied.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth Holiday Appetizer Dip base.
- Pecans: Toast pecans for nutty flavor in this cranberry cheese dip.
- Orange Zest: Adds brightness to festive cream cheese dip; fresh is best.
- Honey: Balances tartness in this Holiday Appetizer Dip.
Directions
Preheat and Prep Dish
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I choose a small, oven-safe baking dish (1-quart) for this cranberry cheese dip, ensuring it’s ready for table presentation.
Spread Cream Cheese
I spread 8 oz softened cream cheese evenly in the baking dish with a spatula, creating a smooth base for this festive cream cheese dip that reaches all edges.
Mix Cranberry Topping
In a bowl, I combine 1 cup cranberry sauce, ¼ cup chopped green onions, ½ cup toasted pecans, ½ tsp orange zest, and 1 tbsp honey, stirring until blended for a flavorful Holiday Appetizer Dip topping.
Top and Bake
I spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese, spreading evenly to cover completely. I bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly at the edges, creating a warm Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip.
Serve Warm
I let the dip cool for 1–2 minutes, then serve with crackers or sliced baguette for scooping this delicious cranberry cheese dip.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 20–25 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: ~150–180 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 12–15g carbs, 2–3g protein, 10–12g fat, 1g fiber
Variations
Try these twists on this festive cream cheese dip:
- Nuts Swap: Use walnuts for a new Holiday Appetizer Dip crunch.
- Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese for a tangier cranberry cheese dip.
- Fruit Swap: Use raspberry jam for a twist on Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip.
- Spice Add: Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmer festive cream cheese dip.
- Sweetener Swap: Use maple syrup instead of honey in these Holiday Appetizer Dip flavors.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Layla Cooks’ mulled wine for a festive vibe.
- Serve with Layla Cooks’ cheese board recipes for variety.
- Enjoy with Layla Cooks’ hot cider for cozy warmth.
Storage
I store this cranberry cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, I wrap tightly in plastic and foil for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in the fridge. I reheat in a 350°F oven for 12–15 minutes or microwave in short bursts, stirring to recombine, for a warm Holiday Appetizer Dip.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip in its baking dish for rustic charm.
- Garnish: Add fresh cranberries or rosemary for this festive cream cheese dip’s appeal.
- Pairing: Enjoy with crackers or Layla Cooks’ drink recipes to complement this Holiday Appetizer Dip.
- Portion Size: 2–3 tbsp per person for a satisfying appetizer.
- Occasions: Ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy gatherings.
FAQs
What cranberry sauce is best?
Whole berry sauce works for this Holiday Appetizer Dip; avoid jellied.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, for a lighter cranberry cheese dip, though less creamy.
Can I make it ahead?
Assemble and refrigerate this festive cream cheese dip a day before baking.
Can I swap pecans?
Use walnuts or almonds for this Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip.
How long does it last?
Store for 3 days refrigerated or 1 month frozen.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love
- Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks
- Air Fryer Eggplant Asian Style
- Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip
- Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Conclusion
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a vibrant, creamy treat bursting with festive flavors. This Holiday Appetizer Dip is quick, easy, and perfect for any gathering. Bake this cranberry cheese dip for a delicious, shareable delight!
Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce homemade or canned
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup chopped pecans toasted
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
Preheat and Prep Dish
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I choose a small, oven-safe baking dish (1-quart) for this cranberry cheese dip, ensuring it’s ready for table presentation.
Spread Cream Cheese
- I spread 8 oz softened cream cheese evenly in the baking dish with a spatula, creating a smooth base for this festive cream cheese dip that reaches all edges.
Mix Cranberry Topping
- In a bowl, I combine 1 cup cranberry sauce, ¼ cup chopped green onions, ½ cup toasted pecans, ½ tsp orange zest, and 1 tbsp honey, stirring until blended for a flavorful Holiday Appetizer Dip topping.
Top and Bake
- I spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese, spreading evenly to cover completely. I bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly at the edges, creating a warm Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip.
Serve Warm
- I let the dip cool for 1–2 minutes, then serve with crackers or sliced baguette for scooping this delicious cranberry cheese dip.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with a pinch of cinnamon in the cranberry mix.
- Dip can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.